Wednesday, 18 April 2012

HM THE QUEEN TO MAKE 'PRINCE HARRY' A "KNIGHT OF THE GARTER" AS DIAMOND JUBILEE HONOUR

Royal experts believe she intends to mark her Diamond Jubilee by investing her grandson in Britain’s oldest and highest order of chivalry, founded by Edward III in 1348.Harry’s elder brother Prince William, a future sovereign of the order, became its 1,000th knight in 2008.

Royal biographer Hugo Vickers said that in the past the Queen has used special anniversaries to bestow honours on her family.

“On her 80th birthday, she gave the Garter to Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. I think it would be a popular thing in Jubilee year.”Last month Prince Harry, 27, who is training to return to Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot, undertook his first overseas tour on behalf of the Queen, visiting Belize, the Bahamas and Jamaica.Any additions to the noble order are usually announced by the Queen on April 23, St George’s Day, with appointments in her personal gift.There can only be a maximum of 24 ordinary knights and lady companions at any one time but any number of extra royal members can be created. Andrew and Edward waited until they were much older than Harry before they were honoured, said Mr Vickers.“The Queen doesn’t dish these things out terribly freely,” he said.Harry is to present trophies to the winners of Sunday’s London Marathon after agreeing to become patron of its charitable trust.Joint race director David Bedford said: “Prince Harry is a great supporter of the event and it is especially fitting to have a royal presence during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.”